Types Of Plans With Silversneakers
You can find the SilverSneakers® benefit inside a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies but approved by Medicare. That means that they cover everything that Medicare covers, but can also add additional benefits .
On occasion, you may also find fitness programs within a Medigap, or Medicare Supplement plan. Medigap plans are also offered by private insurance companies but most of the time, they do not add coverage in the same way that Medicare Advantage plans do. In most cases, the extra coverage that Medigap plans provide relates more to coverage for your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. However, on occasion, you may find a Medigap plan that includes a gym membership.
Even if your plan does not include this program, it may include another Medicare fitness program called Silver & Fit®.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Fitness Programs
Medicare Advantage plans are administered by private insurers and include Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. They also often offer additional benefits including some dental and vision coverage and, in some cases, gym memberships.2
If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, check to see if your policy covers gym memberships. If youre signing up for Medicare Advantage during open enrollment or when you first become eligible for Medicare, you can shop for a plan that includes fitness program coverage. You can find this information on the Find a Medicare Plan tool on the government Medicare website.
For the most part, Medicare Advantage gym memberships are provided through special fitness programs geared toward seniors and available through local gyms, fitness chains, YMCAs and other community fitness centers.
Benefits Of Exercise For Seniors
While regular exercise is important for all age groups, it is especially beneficial for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exercise can help seniors prevent, reduce and manage many chronic diseases.
However, 27.5 percent of adults over the age of 50 reported that they had not engaged in physical activity outside of work during the previous month, according to a2016 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. More than a third of adults ages 75 and older reported that they had not exercised in that time span.
The CDC recommends regular exercise to stave off potential health issues. Keeping active can help you remain capable of doing your regular day-to-day activities as you age. Recommended exercises include a mix of aerobic and strength-building activities, which you can do with equipment available in most gyms.
It is recommended that seniors undergo moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week and take part in muscle-building activities twice a week. A gym membership and the programs covered in some Medicare Advantage plans can help seniors achieve this goal.
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Mutual Of Omaha Senior Fitness Benefits
Recently, Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage plans began a wellness initiative with the Tivity Healths Prime Fitness network of over 10,000 workout locations. With the help of a mobile app, customers have access to many resources.
Further, the wellness program includes complementary and alternative medicine services like chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. The program has a discount network with over 20,000 doctors.
Find Silversneakers Locations Near You:
To find SilverSneakers® locations near you, or click on the buttons below. You can search by class type, amenity , or even gender if you prefer a women-only gym. Some examples of locations that may support the program are hospital wellness centers, select Planet Fitness locations, and other local gyms.
Note: YMCAs are part of the SilverSneakers® network in many states. However, YMCAs are NOT part of the SilverSneakers® network in Tennessee as of January 1, 2020.Chattanooga, TNChicago, ILHouston, TXKnoxville, TNLexington, KYLouisville, KYMemphis, TNNashville, TNNew Orleans, LASan Antonio, TXTucson, AZ
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Is Silver& fit The Same As Silversneakers
Silver& Fit is similar to and is sometimes mistaken for another Medicare fitness program called SilverSneakers.
Both companies offer group fitness classes and exercise opportunities to improve general fitness, strength, flexibility, and walking ability. Both also partner with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to provide their benefit. Eligibility for both programs is generally the same.
SilverSneakers offers benefits at more than 17,000 locations nationwide and offers seven types of classes including classic, circuit, cardio fit, boom programs, splash, stability, and yoga.
The main difference between the two programs are locations, types of classes, and home fitness availability.
Before committing to one or the other, its probably best to see which one gives you access to more locations in your immediate area. If you dont have a gym or fitness center in your immediate area, or you cant go to a gym for any reason, Silver& Fit offers home fitness kits so you can exercise at home.
What Is The Silversneakers Fitness Membership
Silver Sneakers is a program which promotes health and fitness for older adults beginning at age 65. The program is offered through a partnership between Healthways and insurance providers with the emphasis on long term health and fitness.
Silver Sneakers provides a free basic membership in a local participating health club. If you already belong privately to the health club, you may be able to park your current membership and belong to the health club with enrollment in the free Silver Sneakers program. Please note that each participating facility does have their own rules regarding membership and Silversneakers.
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How Do You Join
If your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan offers a fitness program, the plan should have sent you information on how to access the benefit. If not, simply contact your insurer and ask how to access the fitness program the plan covers. For some programs, you may need to show a card to participating facilities to join classes and use their amenities. In almost all cases, there should be no extra fee and you will have full access to the facility. For home fitness programs, ask your insurer for more information on where to go online for specific sign up instructions.
Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover Gym Memberships
Staying in shape is important at any age, but its especially important when you start to age. One easy way to accomplish this is to go to the gym. But this can get expensive, especially if you dont use it a lot. Does Original Medicare or Medigap coverage include gym memberships? Well reveal the answer below.
Does Original Medicare Cover Gym Memberships?
Unfortunately, gym memberships are not on the list of covered expenses under Original Medicare. It wont cover fitness program fees or gym memberships. This means you pay 100% of the costs associated with it if you plan to get a gym or fitness program membership. However, you may be able to get help with some of the costs if you have a specific Medicare Supplement policy.
How Medicare May Cover Gym Memberships
Plan G may cover certain gym memberships, but Plan G plans have been scaling back on covering gym memberships due to lack of use.
However, people who have enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans can have access to gym membership coverage under a specific program. To date, United Healthcare, Humana, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Gateway, Coventry, and WellCare all participate in a senior-specific gym membership program called Silver Sneakers in most states. United Healthcare is scaling back their coverage in certain states due to non-use, but its still available in some places.
The SilverSneakers Program
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Want More Information About Gym Memberships And Medicare
Im happy to answer your questions about Medicare coverage and gym memberships. If you prefer, you can schedule a phone call or request an email by clicking on the buttons below. You can also find out about plan options in your area by clicking the Compare Plans button.
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Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible
Eligibility is specific to your insurance plan. To verify that your individual coverage qualifies, please call the phone number on the back of your health insurance card to receive your Fitness ID or Confirmation Code for the program. Once the eligibility has been verified, obtain your Fitness ID or Confirmation Code as this will be required to enroll in membership.
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How Do I Choose A Plan That Includes Silversneakers
Keep in mind you should always choose your health plan based on the medical benefits it offers, not simply because the plan includes SilverSneakers. While a free gym membership is a valuable benefit, medical costs can add up quickly and can become a much larger burden if you don’t have the right insurance plan for your medical needs.
When comparing Medicare plans, consider the following four factors:
Coverage
Consider prescription coverage, vision, dental, hearing aids or other amenities you may need.
Costs
Consider monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and annual out-of-pocket limits.
Networks
Determine whether your current or preferred providers are included in the local network of the plan you choose.
Quality
Medicare Star Ratings can help you identify plans that offer the highest quality care and which plans’ members report greatest satisfaction with their plan.
Once you’ve identified a few health plans that meet your medical and budgetary requirements based on the above criteria, you can determine which of those plans offer the added benefit of the SilverSneakers program.
Staying physically active is important for maintaining your health as you age, and SilverSneakers is a great way to get moving. After all, it’s fun, free and convenient. That’s a win for everyone.
Courtney Schmidt is a medical communications professional and clinical pharmacist with pediatric and adult hospital experience.
What Silversneakers Benefits Can A Wellcare Medicare Plan Cover
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed specifically for older adults. In addition to a basic gym membership, the program includes several senior-focused fitness groups, clubs and activities such as:
- Yoga
- Brain health workouts
- Stress management
There are more than 15,000 participating gyms and fitness centers throughout the U.S. that host SilverSneakers programs, and members can enjoy access to any amenities included with a basic membership at those facilities.
Some exercise classes may even be available outside of gyms, in other areas like parks or senior centers. And if you dont live near a SilverSneakers facility, you may still participate virtually from your own home using online videos and live online fitness classes. The SilverSneakers home workout kit includes a Fitbit fitness tracker as an included benefit.
SilverSneakers also features a mobile app to track and schedule activities and to access discounts on healthy living products.
SilverSneakers is included as a benefit in many Medicare Advantage plans, often at no added cost. You may search for a participating SilverSneakers location near you.
Wellcare is one of many insurance companies to cover SilverSneakers as an included benefit in many Medicare Advantage plans. Some insurance carriers may offer similar programs that operate under a different name but provide similar fitness benefits, such as the Silver & Fit program.
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Why Take Advantage Of The Program
SilverSneakers is designed to help older adults stay physically fit and socially active. Membership provides access to more than 16,000 participating locations nationwide, including gyms, wellness centers and YMCAs.
You can visit the SilverSneakers official website to find a participating location near you.
SilverSneakers locations offer fitness classes targeted towards aging adults, including:
- Yoga
- Senior sports teams or recreational leagues
- Outdoor exercise activities
- And more
In addition, the Silver Steps program provides seniors who live in more rural areas access to personalized workout programs they can do from home and an online component to help keep members connected and motivated to stay healthy.
Gym Memberships Covered Under Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage plans, which are available through private insurers, can offer gym memberships.
SilverSneakers, a health and fitness program aimed at seniors, is included in a lot of Advantage plans. The program offers both online and in-person fitness classes at thousands of gyms and community centers.
There are other options available besides SilverSneakers. UnitedHealthcare offers the Renew Active fitness program. Like SilverSneakers, it includes access to a large network of gyms across the country, but Renew Active also includes a session with a personal trainer to create a personalized fitness plan.
Silver& Fit is another similar benefit available through some Medicare Advantage plans. It includes workouts at local gyms as well as live online classes through Facebook Live and YouTube. Silver& Fit also offers home fitness kits.
You may be able to get a gym membership covered through Medicare supplemental insurance. Be sure to check with your plan provider to find out whether a gym membership is available to you.
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Renew Active’s Network Now Includes:
Lift Splash It Premium :15
Open on Renew Active by UnitedHealthcare logo on white.
LOGO: Renew Active by UnitedHealthcare
VOICEOVER: Renew Active. Only from UnitedHealthcare.
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ON-SCREEN TEXT: free gym membership
DISCLAIMER: The Renew Active program varies by plan/area and includes a standard fitness membership. Access to gym and fitness location network may vary by location and plan.
SONG LYRICS: Lift it. Press it. Downward dog it.
DISCLAIMER: Paid actor portrayal. Medicare’s biggest gym network is based upon comparison of competitors website data as of September, 2020. Network size varies by market. Benefits, features and device vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply
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ON-SCREEN TEXT: Medicares biggest gym network
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DISCLAIMER: Orangetheory and the Orangetheory Logo are registered trademarks of Ultimate Fitness Group, LLC and/or OTF IP Holder, LLC. The Club Pilates®And Pure Barre®logos are registered trademarks of Club Pilates Franchise, LLC and PB Franchising, LLC, respectively.
VOICEOVER: With Medicares biggest gym network, including these premium locations Renew Active gives you so many ways to be healthy.
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Getting The Most Out Of Your Medicare Insurance
Too often Medicare insurance policies are purchased and stashed away. Whether you purchase a Supplement or Advantage plan, its important to know about extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer ancillary benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Conversely, Supplements, by rule, cannot usually offer as many added benefits.
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Does Medicare Cover Gym Memberships
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover gym memberships. Some plans may cover fitness programs such as SilverSneakers and other healthy living benefits such as nutritional home meal delivery.
Learn more and explore your Medicare Advantage plan coverage options.
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you determine your eligibility to enroll and find Medicare Advantage plans in your area that may cover gym memberships at 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711, 24/7.
Does United Healthcare Cover Silver Sneakers In 2020
1, UnitedHealthcare no longer offers SilverSneakers for the more than 2 million customers using Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplemental insurance in certain states, including North Carolina. But instead, the company said it is offering its own fitness program that is more flexible and innovative.
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When Does Medicare Pay For Gym Memberships
Original Medicare is administered by the federal government and does not typically include coverage for gym memberships.
Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurance companies. They are required to cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, but they are free to also offer some additional benefits.
The additional benefits covered by some Medicare Advantage plans may often be centered around living a healthy life. Gym membership coverage is one way some plans help beneficiaries stay healthy.
Does Medicare Cover Gym Membership
For older adults who have Medicare instead of or in addition to Medicaid, gym membership may be available through that plan. Although Original Medicare doesnt cover fitness center membership, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer gym membership as part of their plan benefits.
Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is provided by private health insurance companies that cover all the benefits offered by Original Medicare and can offer extra benefits to clients. Many include gym membership as part of these extras.
Medicare Advantage plans generally reimburse memberships up to a certain amount of money. This may cover the full amount of a membership, or there may be a gap. Some companies only cover a certain percentage of the costs, so make sure to check your plan carefully. Plans marketed to members of senior organizations, such as Medicare Advantage plans offered by AARP, often include these types of incentives to encourage seniors to stay active.
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What Is Silversneakers And Which Insurance Plans Include It
Find out if plans in your area include this fitness program.
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Health experts know the benefits of regular physical activity. So do insurance companies, which is why so many Medicare plans offer the SilverSneakers fitness program. If you have a plan with the SilverSneakers benefit, you can work out, take fitness classes, and even get advice from a personal trainer for free.
Whats most important is finding a Medicare plan that includes fitness benefits and meets your other health needs and personal goals. Heres what you need to know about which insurance plans include SilverSneakers or other fitness benefits.
You can only get SilverSneakers if youre enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. SilverSneakers is a private fitness program only available to people with Medicare. Its not part of your Original Medicare coverage.
Currently, the following major insurance companies offer plans with the SilverSneakers fitness benefit:
- AARP
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
Smaller companies in your area may be offering plans with SilverSneakers, so dont be discouraged if your preferred plan provider isnt on the list. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to see whats available. You can also call a Medicare broker for information on local plans.
